I don't know anything about law enforcement procedure, how long an investigation would go , etc. I need to portray police officers and a sheriff somewhat realistically as far as how they would treat the family and what would go into a search. - the search is futile- but very important. There are at least a few chapters before the mc gets to the same place so before that I want it to be realistic as what the family would have to deal with. It is in a small town as well.

1. Search out some true crime books that deal with a law-enforcement team near to where ever your setting is, possibly with a related case profile. NY law enforcement procedures probably differ to some degree from California procedures, I assume.

2. Perhaps contact your local Police Department, see if they would be willing to provide you with details about this sort of thing. Local reporters might be a good resource as well.

Patrol officers are uniformed, mostly younger and can be very motivated. But they go form call to call talking reports and dealing with immediate problems.

Detectives are plain cloths, wear business suits, are older, outrank patrolmen, and may have a huge case load. They tend to specialize buy crime, but this is more of what desk they are working than a professional specialization. The more serious the crime the more prestige. Detectives make phone calls and do interviews.

There is a good Youtube video called ‘Don't Talk to Cops’ Part 1 and 2. Part 2 is a police detective explaining how a skilled interviewer can make things happen.